A Subpopulation of Foxj1-Expressing, Nonmyelinating Schwann Cells of the Peripheral Nervous System Contribute toSchwannCellRemyelinationintheCentralNervousSystem

Remyelination failure in chronic demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis drives the current quest for developing means by which remyelination in CNS can be enhanced therapeutically. Critical to this endeavor is the need to understand the mechanisms of remyelination, including the nature and identity of the cells capable of generating new myelin sheath-forming cells. Here, we report a previously unrecognized subpopulation of nonmyelinating Schwann cells (SCs) in the PNS, identified by the expression of the transcription factor Foxj1, which can give rise to SCs that are capable of remyelinating both PNS and CNS axons.

• 1
  A subpopulation of nonmyelinating Schwann cells identified by Foxj1 expression contributes to CNS SC remyelination, as well as remyelination in the PNS.
• 2
  Ependymal cells lining the central canal of the spinal cord, which also express Foxj1, do not generate cells that contribute to CNS remyelination.
• 3
  Foxj1-expressing cells in peripheral nerves respond to peripheral nerve injury and give rise to repair SCs